El Elyon: Most High RulerMinta

King Melchizedek of Salem reminded Abram that El Elyon was the source of his victory, and thus God alone deserved the glory. He provided a stark contrast to the king of Sodom’s manipulation and grasp for glory. Melchizedek blessed Abram, but in blessing Abram, he named El Elyon (“God Most High”) as the true source of his victory. El Elyon is a compound name of God comprised of the singular “El” from the name “Elohim”—a name that was used of God as the all-powerful creator—and “Elyon,” which means “the heights” or “the One who dwells on the heights.” Melchizedek reminded Abraham that God as the Creator was higher than any other power source and He alone deserved the glory for Abram’s victory. All other kings, and powers, and lords were only using the authority that had been delegated to them; El Elyon alone was the possessor of heaven and earth who has delivered his enemies into his hand (Genesis 14:19-20). The psalmist similarly stated, “The Lord Most High (Elyon) is to be feared, a great King over all the earth. He subdues peoples under us and nations under our feet” (Psalm 47:2-3).